Three suspects have been arrested over the alleged misappropriation of Sh4.8 million meant for the purchase and installation of electricity transformers in Igembe North Constituency.
The arrest happened after the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) stepped up investigations into the 2014/2015 project.
The anti-graft agency said the three were arrested on Wednesday and are expected to be arraigned before the Meru Law Courts to enter a plea after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved their prosecution on various charges.
According to the EACC, the investigations relate to the alleged embezzlement of Sh4.8 million allocated under the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) for the purchase and installation of six electricity transformers in Igembe North Constituency during the 2014/2015 financial year.
The commission said its investigations were launched following allegations that senior officials linked to the constituency's NG-CDF misappropriated the funds.
Investigators allege that the NG-CDF committee received Sh4.8 million for the purchase and installation of six transformers in Buathine, Ethiopia, Ntobocui, Luciuti MCK, Marere Centre and Muurune, with each transformer allocated Sh800,000.
The EACC further alleges that the money was transferred into six project bank accounts before being withdrawn on the same day by account signatories with the authority of the then NG-CDF fund manager.
According to the commission, investigations also indicated that although the committee purported to have engaged the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) and the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to undertake the project, both institutions are said to have confirmed that they neither received payment nor communication regarding the procurement.
The commission further alleges that no transformers were procured or installed at the identified project sites.
Following completion of investigations, the EACC said it forwarded the inquiry file to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who approved the prosecution of four suspects on charges including conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, unlawful acquisition of public property, abuse of office and misappropriation of Constituency Development Funds.
The commission also directed one more suspect to appear before the EACC's Upper Eastern Regional Office in Isiolo or any nearby EACC office for processing and arraignment.
The EACC said it remains committed to safeguarding public resources and ensuring accountability.
"The Commission remains committed to safeguarding public resources and ensuring that all persons involved in corruption and economic crimes are held accountable."
